Love of Learning and Flourishing | Seminar

This seminar explores the VIA character strength of love of learning as a core driver of intrinsic motivation, intellectual engagement, and lifelong personal growth. Love of learning is defined as the enjoyment of acquiring new knowledge, skills, and insights, accompanied by curiosity, persistence, and a deep interest in understanding. Drawing on positive psychology research and mindset theory, the seminar examines how this strength supports academic resilience, cognitive development, and sustained flourishing within higher education contexts. Participants are guided to reflect on the optimal use of love of learning, as well as the risks of underuse such as disengagement or surface-level study and overuse, including imbalance, loss of direction, or burnout. Through structured reflection, discussion, and application exercises, the session helps participants cultivate a balanced and intentional relationship with learning that supports both achievement and wellbeing. The seminar positions love of learning as a foundational strength that enables adaptability, intellectual vitality, and sustained motivation across the lifespan. Learning Outcomes By the end of this seminar, participants will be able to: Define the VIA character strength of love of learning and explain its role in positive psychology and flourishing. Identify the cognitive, emotional, and academic benefits associated with cultivating love of learning. Distinguish between optimal use, underuse, and overuse of this strength within university and personal development contexts. Reflect on their own learning mindset, including the influence of fixed versus growth beliefs about intelligence and ability. Apply practical strategies to strengthen intrinsic motivation, curiosity, and sustained engagement in learning. Develop an intentional plan for integrating love of learning into academic goals, personal growth, and lifelong development.